RSPCA gears up to re-home unwanted gifts

The RSPCA constantly works to re-home hundreds of pets dumped after Christmas.

ABC TV

Animal welfare group the RSPCA says despite repeated warnings it is concerned there will be scores of unwanted pets across the Hunter in the days and weeks after Christmas.

Each year hundreds of animals are dumped, with the RSPCA constantly working to re-home them.

The group's Hunter region manager Samantha Shanahan says there are often disastrous consequences when animals are given as surprise Christmas gifts.

"We have had animals here, where it has happened, where we have adopted them out," she said.

"They were a puppy or a young adult, and they've gone to a family that wasn't expecting such a large commitment, and they have at times been left out in yards, untrained and unsocialised and they come back into the shelter."

Ms Shanahan says people giving animals as gifts must understand the long-term responsibilities.

"The average lifespan of most dogs and cats is around 12 years with some even going up to the age of 20 years, so even though a puppy or a kitten is irresistibly adorable just keep in mind, that it is a lifetime commitment."